[Lux700]

Mine is on 21” wheels, RFT, adaptive (so it’s not permanently MSport), acoustic glass, and Vernasca leather. It’s excellent for long distance; fast, quiet, smooth, rides extremely well and you’d never guess in a million years it was 21” rims with low profile RFT’s.

It’s an M Performance vehicle therefore has a chassis to suit. Saying that, it’s remarkably refined in comfort mode and even more remarkably, is still quite comfortable in Sport Plus mode despite the 21” RFT’s and its M Performance chassis. It would be nice if it had the option of comfort seats as per the 5 Series.

[MechX3M40i]

From what I read, for those who has the adaptive suspension, all reported comfortable ride on long distance. I also have adaptive suspension and have had no issues with ride comfort, which was the motivation behind me investing in this option.

[AndroidRobot]

Originally Posted by M40iG01

my opinion is as follows:
I came from an Audi S3. (not exactly comfortable).
I tend to drive long trips of 4 hours one direction. As I approach hour 3 the seats are not comfortable. They are very hard and make me continuously move around in the seat. I was expecting a better seat for 75k. just my opinion.

I feel th same way, I mean if they were true sport seats that would make sense but they aren't. I still love the car either way

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by BayareaX3m40i

I recently completed a 4,100 mile, 15 day road trip. Several days of 500+ mile stints. Longest stretch (I-40 eastbound from Kingman AZ to Amarillo TX) was 11 hours in the saddle. I concur with the comments regarding the seats (in mine, it's Cognac Leather). Any longer than 8 hours in a day and I found the seating position/seats became very uncomfortable. Definitely plan for regular breaks if you are doing 8 hours plus in a single day. Otherwise the M40i proved itself great on the trip. Overall, averaged 24.4 mpg on this extended road trip (usually at 85-95 mph on the Interstate Highway legs) with a best of 29 mpg (500 mile stint on I-10 westbound through west Texas). Got a couple of stone chips and 4 windshield nicks (all repairable). The comments on this forum about the "soft" windshield are on target. It damages easily.

I don't know of any vehicle produced in recent years that has a tough windshield. They're all crappy. Just like the waterborne paints.
Just the way it is with all the eco friendly stuff.

[LostX]

Originally Posted by Lux700

Mine is on 21" wheels, RFT, adaptive (so it's not permanently MSport), acoustic glass, and Vernasca leather. It's excellent for long distance; fast, quiet, smooth, rides extremely well and you'd never guess in a million years it was 21" rims with low profile RFT's.

It's an M Performance vehicle therefore has a chassis to suit. Saying that, it's remarkably refined in comfort mode and even more remarkably, is still quite comfortable in Sport Plus mode despite the 21" RFT's and its M Performance chassis. It would be nice if it had the option of comfort seats as per the 5 Series.

Is acoustic glass not an option in the US?
I asked and was told no.

[MechX3M40i]

I think the fragile windshield is more related to 'cost friendly' to BMW and has nothing to do with being eco-friendly

[RichM50d]

I have the standard suspension on mine, but do have back issues, however, I’ve not had any issues with 3 or 4 hours in the car.

[deladude]

Originally Posted by AndroidRobot

Well, from experience my a"" literally hurts on long drives in mine. I love the car but the seats aren't ideal for long road trips and I'm not a big person (5'8" 139lbs)

As someone who opt'd for the ventilated seats and was disappointed by the lack of sportiness they offered it sounds like what they lose in lateral support they gain in comfort over the standard seat. I've been very pleased with the seat comfort on the couple 5+ hour trips I've taken so far, and I'm about the same size guy as you. I find them considerably more comfortable than the seats in my mom's 2013 X3 for example.

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

I don't know of any vehicle produced in recent years that has a tough windshield. They're all crappy. Just like the waterborne paints.
Just the way it is with all the eco friendly stuff.

Maybe it just comes down to luck, but I owned a 2013 BRZ for the past five years without suffering a single scratch or nick on the windshield. Two months with the M40i and there are TWO cracks in it already! The BRZ windshield ends before the M40i's even begins height-wise so I find the opposing experiences maddening

[ParadigmDawg]

The ride and handling is just fine. I keep my tune in Map 1 and use adaptive mode for road trips and I like it.

The seats absolutely kill my butt and back no matter what I try. I have never had this issue with my Mercedes or Audis and I have been through a lot of them.

[TXSchnee]

Road trip from Austin, TX to St. Paul MN, so around 1200 miles each way. M40i, on the optional 20"s with Adaptive Suspension. Also, two kids in car seats, the husband and a cargo bay full of luggage. Not quite as comfortable as my '15 X5 was, but it was still very good for long days in the car (10+ hours). Also, I have seen some complaints on the M Sport seats, I love them, they are supremely comfortable for long trips and I never get fatigued (I do not have the ventilated seats). I am 5'8", husband is 5'11" and neither of us have complaints with the seats. Also, ACC is a must have for road trips, worth the price of the option (I did the stand alone ACC option, not the package).

[Twickers]

Thank you all so much for all your insights. It is all very much appreciated. I've seen a couple of reviews that mention a constant droning sound when cruising. I have to say that in Comfort and eco-pro during my test drive I could barely hear the engine at all when cruising. Has anyone had any experience of that "droning" from the engine when cruising around?

[DHA-uk]

I know it isn't exactly a relevant comment yet. However I presently have an F80 M3. I drove from southern England to Italy a few summers ago. It was perfect for the distance and the long days behind the wheel (2 day trip). The biggest thing, for me, is the seats for long distance comfort - suspension/exhaust noise etc are a lesser issue if you feel comfortable sat behind the wheel.

[Twickers]

Originally Posted by ParadigmDawg

The ride and handling is just fine. I keep my tune in Map 1 and use adaptive mode for road trips and I like it.

The seats absolutely kill my butt and back no matter what I try. I have never had this issue with my Mercedes or Audis and I have been through a lot of them.

I hope you are able to find a good position. I'm not sure if this is useful to you but I used to have serious back issues in lots of cars where the leather or fabric was too soft and didn't provide enough positive contact. This usually resulted in my hips being slightly lower than my knees which my physio had me correct with a wedge cushion. It helps a bit but ultimately it doesn't feel right to drop so much money and have to resort to a cushion. Best of luck and thanks for your input.

[MechX3M40i]

Originally Posted by Twickers

I hope you are able to find a good position. I'm not sure if this is useful to you but I used to have serious back issues in lots of cars where the leather or fabric was too soft and didn't provide enough positive contact. This usually resulted in my hips being slightly lower than my knees which my physio had me correct with a wedge cushion. It helps a bit but ultimately it doesn't feel right to drop so much money and have to resort to a cushion. Best of luck and thanks for your input.

Thanks - so is it recommended that we sit higher so our thighs will be more leveled or parallel to the floor, so that our hip won't be lower that our kneels? It kinda makes sense since we can take some load away from hip and shift to the thigh...

I usually adjust my seat quite high almost to the limit to have a commanding view out from the drivers seat. I think the seat is narrow but I never have any issues. Yes the seat can use some extra padding but I find them quite typical to German cars equipped with sport-oriented seats.

[M40iG01]

The recommendation of raising the seat height was a really good one. I've struggled with getting my thigh is the correct position when my foot is on the gas pedal. when I raised the seat to highest position it does seem to help my comfort. once I leave for my next 4 hour trip I'll see how it is. thanks for the recommendation.

[BillD1953]

just turned 20,000 miles on my X3M40i
solid, tight, fast, no rattles. Decent wear on the Dueller RFTs.
Great ride in Comfort mode with adaptive suspension.......
the car continues to amaze me on "just how fast it is". Makes my 2015 MB 350ML seem like a tugboat.

seats:

I find the seats in the X3M40i seats comfortable for me during long trips.
MB ML350...seats get uncomfortable during long trips. The MB has 72,000 miles on it from new.

steering: good road feel, dead center, no wander, I keep it Sport setting........btw...the "new steering rack" in the G20 330i is same as X3M40i...

You'll be happy with the car.

[LostX]

Sort of agree with some others. I've only had the car a few days but my initial reaction:

If i had to go on a long trip, I would take my wife's MDX over the M40i. X3 is tighter, faster, refined and more fun, but its not as comfortable as the MDX (so far). Maybe I'll have a different opinion in a few months.

[m235hou]

Originally Posted by M40iG01

my opinion is as follows:
I came from an Audi S3. (not exactly comfortable).
I tend to drive long trips of 4 hours one direction. As I approach hour 3 the seats are not comfortable. They are very hard and make me continuously move around in the seat. I was expecting a better seat for 75k. just my opinion.

Yea these seats are on the firmer side. On the other end of spectrum from say Lexus seats.

[TC_G01]

My 2018 m40i has 255/45-19 Michelin Pilot Sport AS 3+ tires on all 4 corners. Sensatec (K8SW) chairs with lumbar support (488) with the standard suspension.

As far as my 54 year old back is concerned, this car is an EXCELLENT bahn-burner. On broken pavement the ride is as to be expected firm; but nothing like I've experienced in older high-performance cars. This car is no Lexus - if you want that type of ride look elsewhere.

If you can afford the adaptive suspension, that would likely be a wise upgrade. The airbags on the new X5 would be even better I suspect.

[nogren]

Originally Posted by TC_G01

My 2018 m40i has 255/45-19 Michelin Pilot Sport AS 3+ tires on all 4 corners. Sensatec (K8SW) chairs with lumbar support (488) with the standard suspension.

Sorry for the small thread jacking, but what rims are you running those 255's on? Width and offset in the front?
Others has experiences rubbing on perhaps the stock RIMs with 255's instead of 245's.

[tastes jigga]

Coming from a M4 competition package manual transmission with the 666m wheels, the M40i with adaptive M suspension and DA+ is very attractive for long distance drives in comparison. I can spend multiple hours in the vehicle without any discomfort.

[MechX3M40i]

Originally Posted by tastes jigga

Coming from a M4 competition package manual transmission with the 666m wheels, the M40i with adaptive M suspension and DA+ is very attractive for long distance drives in comparison. I can spend multiple hours in the vehicle without any discomfort.

I can see why you don't find your M4 very comfortable since it's riding on rims designated with the code '666'...